While listening to MPR the other day, the commentators were discussing books for kids that are advanced readers. This book, Al Capone Does My Shirts, was one of the recommendations. I picked it up at Barnes and Noble for my oldest, although I really wanted to read it myself.

A fictional account of life on Alcatraz in the 1930s, the story revolves around Moose Flanagan, the son of a guard. Lots of great historically accurate descriptions of what life was like for the families of the workers who actually lived on the rock.

LOVED the ending too…

Yesterday we took in our La-Z-Boy recliner to a charity in Bloomington called Bridging Inc. They give furniture and other household items to people who are going through transitions in their lives.

There is still a day and a half to make a donation to your favorite charity and get a tax break for 2007. Here are some other non-profits and charities I recommend:

• High School for Recording Arts
• Minnesota Public Radio
• Minnesota Historical Society
• Minnesota State Fair Foundation
• St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
• Minnesota Orchestra
• University of Minnesota Foundation
• University of Wisconsin Foundation
• Tapemark Charity Pro-Am
• Special Olympics of Minnesota
• American Cancer Society

Help make a difference!

Yesterday my wife and I went to see the 1pm screening of the 2007 British Television Advertising Awards at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. We’ve seen these a number of times the past few years, but this was only the second time we’ve seen them in the new(er) McGuire Theater, which has a really great interior design.

Before we went in the theater, we checked out the Frida Kahlo exhibit next door, as there was absolutely no line. The exhibit was great and I learned a lot I didn’t know about the artist. We saw all three of the actual paintings shown above, two of which had pretty twisted stories behind them. Ms. Kahlo was one interesting personality, that’s for sure…

Despite the sad news later in the week, Christmas was a joyous time in the Kingsbury household. The girls got the house all decked out and couldn’t wait for Christmas Eve. I heard that Santa appreciated the cookies and milk and the reindeer ate up all of the reindeer food they left outside (in the tons of snow we’ve received this week).

The picture above shows some of the items I received, including the awesome “Hippies” sign that my youngest gave me. I’ve spent about 20 hours playing the Super Mario Galaxy Wii game, although I found it strange that it allowed me to jump to the end battle without finishing all of the galaxies first. It’s very cool, but it’s a good thing I saved before finishing.

Christmas 2007 Photo Gallery (password required)

My maternal grandmother, Helen Smith, passed away today after a long fight with Alzheimer’s disease.

She really hasn’t been with us for a few years, so my first feeling is one of relief. My 88-year-old grandfather had been taking care of her by himself, which I know was very difficult for him. She was recently diagnosed with cancer and had stopped eating a few days ago.

Two of my most vivid memories of my grandmother:

• how grateful she was that I stayed with her while walking around Expo ‘86 in Vancouver while my uncle and grandfather sped ahead
• getting caught in her backyard using firecrackers to blow up my little brother’s Matchbox cars and plastic soldiers

I will update this post with her obituary after it’s published.

Smith, Helen M. Age 87 “A beautiful Swedish Lady” (nee Elmquist) on December 26, 2007. Survived by husband of 65 yrs., Donald L., children; Karen (Mike) Kingsbury, Gregory, Jeffrey (Joyce), Stacey (Richard) Kohner, and Linda (Dave) Arcand. 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Helen graduated from Johnson High School then went to work to help support her family. She worked at First National Bank where she met her husband. She was active at the old St. Paul Athletic Club, The Winter Carnival, and the Innijiska Club. Helen will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Visitation 10 AM with Memorial Service 11AM Wednesday, Jan. 2nd at GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH CHAPEL, 700 Snelling Ave. So., St. Paul. Private interment. Memorials preferred to HealthEast Home Aides. Cremation Society of Minnesota Edina 952-924-4100

The last tech support trip to HSRA Los Angeles was very productive. My primary goals were to install new security cameras, troubleshoot a student data syncing problem, get their ID card machine working, re-image some old machines, install some new software and do the usual software updates across all 150 machines.

My co-worker who came along did a lot of great work getting machines moved around and cleaning up the ID card machine. I got most of the things done that I wanted, but there are some parts that need ordering to get the rest of the cameras installed. Overall, I’m very happy with the progress.

We got to do a few fun things this time (for a change). In addition to the Vegas jaunt, we went to see the Wild beat the Kings at Staples Center on Saturday night. Very interesting to see how they do things at another arena–especially one with a lousy team and a lot of empty seats. Makes the Minnesota experience seem magical by comparison. Vote for Lubo!

Restaurants included the awesome Kincaid’s Bayhouse at the Redondo Beach pier, the Rocky Cola Cafe (also in Redondo Beach), Good Stuff on the Strand in Hermosa Beach and (of course) a visit to In-N-Out Burger.

It rained the last two days and temps were cool for LA. How I long for that weather now, though…

My co-worker and I took a short little jog up I-15 to spend about ten hours in Las Vegas. We left on Sunday night and got to the Strip about 9:30. We checked in to Treasure Island and I took him on the walking tour of the middle of the Strip: TI, Mirage, Caesar’s Palace, Bellagio and the Venetian.

It was a very cold desert night (the Prius said it was 38 degrees) and I thought the fountains at Bellagio were going to freeze up. We got to watch them with Elvis singing Viva Las Vegas, which was cool.

I don’t think I’ve been to Vegas in almost two years. Changes this time included the new Cirque theater for LOVE at the Mirage (which looked just awesome), construction of the new CityCenter and a new hotel casino between the Venetian and the Wynn called the Palazzo (which looked just like all the other recent towers in town).

I didn’t do much gambling this time, although I played a few hands of video poker and a couple of slots (Red, White and Blue and a piggy one for my daughter). Lost about nine bucks overall. Got a lot of good Christmas shopping done though.

We had the breakfast buffet at TI before heading back on the freeway. Very scenic desert drive in the daytime, but I still prefer flying.